18 May 2007, Happy Dance Friday! Although, at this minute I don't feel like dancing. I began my day at 0400 this morning. By 0445 we were rolling out the front gate. Yes, I know, stay inside the wire. Well, I didn't. In my 20 months (both deployments) there was something I hadn't done till this morning. The Ghar. Yes, the dreaded mountain that people just feel they need to climb, for entertainment purposes. I didn't understand why until today. Now, I know I was right to start with and I have the blisters to prove it. It really wasn't that bad. I did actually enjoy most of it. I have very little fear of climbing anything, (with the exceptions of ladders). I've scaled the outside of buildings before, some minor cliff climbing, daylight and nighttime, those sort of things. I have never really liked coming down from heights with gravity as my sole means of control. I love rappelling down the side of cliffs and zip lining, but not today, not with this mountain. So enough rambling and on with the pictures.
The Ghar.
Those are our vehicles in the background, keep a look out for them in the following pictures.
Our goal is just past that point up there.
Still moving, now I didn't try any land speed records either.
About 3/4 of the way up, I'm tired, but still going.
The top is in sight.
Now, all I have to do is cross this and we have reached our destination. What would you do?
I found out why my assault pack was so heavy. I had a stow-away. Mr. Build-A-Bear wanted to climb the Ghar too.
The Oklahomans and their Centennial Flag.
And now with the State of Oklahoma Flag.
Ok, that was enough fun, let's get outta here.I'm back at camp and other than being completely worn out, I'm fine. Be safe and have a great day.
16 comments:
Wow! Amazing photos! How tall was this mountain? It looks HUGE!
you just HAD to do it didn't you dub? ha ha ha, well i am really glad you are back inside the wire now. hurry home...
smiles, bee
Okay, I was mad at first when I started reading your blog because I'm thinking you're just out goofing around outside the gate trying to get shot at, and then I read the entire story. That's awesome that you finally climbed the mountain. I can see where this is really symbolic for you guys to do this at the end of your deployment. I assume you made it down okay, or you wouldn't be writing. Just think how cool it would be to zip line down that mountain? Just think, 38 days and a wake up before you're home! P.S. I love the Oklahoma Flag and Centennial Flag!!!!
What beautiful pictures... looks like fun too...
Have a good weekend and stay safe.
Wow, how exciting!!! That picture at the top with the shadows, is great....Congrats on making it...
Peace
How great!!! You climbed the Ghar!
Happy Armed Forces Day!
We come across many obstacles and milestones in our lives. You climbed a big one on your way home.
Stay safe, and thank you for all you do, for all you stand for.
The Chicklet and I will keep you in our prayers for 38 days and a wake up, until we know you are safely home.
Ok Dub, I'm not yelling at you, I would have done the same thing, great photos, great day, now, back to the conex. stay safe......
ooo too high too high fear of heights...
but congrats to you
Be safe Sir
Good Lord, man, no wonder you're worn out! That looks like it was quite the hike and then some! I bet you're glad you did it, though, and now you can go home happy.
Could you see Texas from up there? Fantastic picture, and experience.
Congrats on making it to the top! While carrying your gun, too yet! You're going to feel naked without that back at home.
That photo of the top of the mountain--so spikey--is interesting.
I knew you would not be able to leave there without climbing that big pile of rocks. glad you did not hurt yourself.
I'm scared to death of heights, but I used to climb mountains before I got diagnosed. I would have loved to have done this one - thanks for "taking me along." As MrsDub said, great symbolism in doing this so near to the end of your tour.
May you stay safe and quickly return home!
Good for you Dub! Had a feeling you might try it before coming home.
These photos are unbelievable, SGT. Thanks so much for taking the time to post them. WOW.
You are awesome!!
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